Troy Shantz
A local union leader is being investigated for alleged wrongdoing, The Journal has learned.
Mike Maitland, business manger of LiUNA, Local 1089 in Sarnia, was the subject of a supervision hearing conducted by the Central and Eastern Regional Office via Zoom on May 29 and June 5.
The hearing was held to adjudicate 11 allegations raised by six officers of the local union, and investigated by Assistant Regional Manager Tony Pietrangelo and an outside firm.
Because of the allegations, the Regional Office has recommended the Sarnia Local be placed under supervision, General President Terry O’Sullivan stated in a May 13 letter to members.
“Supervision has been recommended to protect the Local Union as an institution, restore democratic procedures, ensure the effective performance of its collective bargaining obligations, and restore autonomy to the Local Union,” he said.
No decisions have been made and the investigation is still ongoing, LiUNA communications manager Victoria Mancinelli, told The Journal.
“We cannot speak to the charges at this time,” she said.
“LiUNA takes very seriously any and all allegations of impropriety that could impact our membership or the business of a local union.”
Mancinelli did confirm Maitland’s job as business manager and secretary treasurer “remains active until conclusions from the hearing are made.”
Business managers must lead by example and loyally represent the members who elected them, she said.
“Those who fail to meet their obligation to responsibly and ethically represent the members and protect their rights will face necessary consequences, including removal from office if necessary.”
Mike Maitland has been business manager of the Labourers’ International Union of North America, Local 1089, since June of 2009.
The local union, with offices at 1255 Confederation St., had about 1,200 members in 2019.